Cylindrical joint and reticulated frame structure

Abstract

Structural system and method are disclosed for constructing reticulated frame structures. Nodal joints having large diameter connectors are used to connect framing members to the structure nodes. The large diameter allows the connectors to directly support or bear the framing members. As such, compressive forces on the framing member may be transferred directly through the connector to the nodal joint through bearing action. A collar is threaded to the framing member at one end, and engages the connector at the other end. Cover panels may be disposed on the reticulated frame structure. Support members secure the cover panels to the framing members. Each support member is attached to a corresponding framing member and to the nodal joints in a manner to help resist bending loads and prevent axial rotation of the framing member.

1. A reticulated frame structure, comprising:
 framing members; and  
 one or more nodal joints connecting said framing members to one another, each nodal joint including:  
 a hub having threaded bores disposed in an outer surface of said hub at predefined locations and angles;  
 a collar having a proximate opening relative to said hub and a distal opening relative to said hub, said distal opening adapted for threaded attachment to one of said framing members; and  
 a connector capable of being inserted in said collar, said connector including a proximate end adapted to pass through said collar for attachment to one of said threaded bores, and a distal end adapted to engage said collar such that said collar is restrained against axial and lateral movement, said distal end having a size that is sufficiently large to directly bear one of said framing members.  
 
   
   
     2. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising cover panels disposed on said reticulated frame structure, each cover panel covering an area defined by at least three interconnected framing members; and
 panel support members adapted to secure said cover panels to said framing members, each panel support member attached to a corresponding one of said framing members in a manner to prevent axial rotation of said framing member.  
 
   
   
     3. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein said panel support members comprise I-beams. 
   
   
     4. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 3 , wherein said I beams are made of extruded aluminum. 
   
   
     5. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 3 , wherein a bottom flange of each I-beam is conformed to an outer surface of a framing member. 
   
   
     6. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 3 , wherein a top flange of each I-beam is adapted to secure said cover panels. 
   
   
     7. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein each panel support member is attached to a framing member by one or more bolts. 
   
   
     8. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein each panel support member is attached to a hub by one or more bolts. 
   
   
     9. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein each panel support member is oriented by grooves formed on a top surface of said hub. 
   
   
     10. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said framing members comprise pipes. 
   
   
     11. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 10 , wherein said pipes are made of extruded aluminum. 
   
   
     12. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said framing members are interconnected so as to form a single lattice structure. 
   
   
     13. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said framing members are interconnected so as to form a double lattice structure. 
   
   
     14. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said framing members are interconnected so as to form a single curvature structure. 
   
   
     15. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said framing members are interconnected so as to form a double curvature structure. 
   
   
     16. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein said cover panels are substantially transparent. 
   
   
     17. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 2 , wherein said bores have a seat portion formed therein, said seat portions adapted to engage a stop portion formed on said connector. 
   
   
     18. A reticulated frame structure, comprising:
 framing members;  
 means for connecting said framing members to one another; and  
 means for assembling said connected framing members to form said reticulated frame structure, said means for connecting including:  
 a hub having threaded bores disposed in an outer surface of said hub at predefined locations and angles;  
 a collar having a proximate opening relative to said hub and a distal opening relative to said hub, said distal opening adapted for threaded attachment to one of said framing members; and  
 a connector capable of being inserted in said collar, said connector including a proximate end adapted to pass through said collar for attachment to one of said threaded bores, and a distal end adapted to engage said collar such that said collar retains axial and rotational movement prior to tightening of said collar, said distal end having a size that is sufficiently large to directly bear one of said framing members.  
 
   
   
     19. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 18 , further comprising means for attaching cover panel support members to preselected ones of said framing members, and means for securing cover panels to said panel support members. 
   
   
     20. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 18 , further comprising means for assembling a subassembly comprising two or more of said connected framing members. 
   
   
     21. The reticulated frame structure according to  claim 18 , further comprising means for connecting a plurality of said subassemblies together. 
   
   
     22. The reticulated frame structure according to claim,  18  further comprising means for aligning said framing members.